5GW solar plant must use IIT-validated ZLD tech, ₹20.76 crore CER required

The project is located at Thoothukudi SIPCOT Industrial Park in Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu.

Who it concerns: The project proponent is Zetsol Energy Private Limited. The clearance was granted by the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Tamil Nadu.

Conditions and facts

• Clearance Status: Prior Environmental Clearance granted under Category B2 of the EIA Notification 2006.
• Project Size: Plot area of 2,85,829 sq.m; proposed built-up area of 1,45,007 sq.m; 22 building blocks with a maximum height of 15 meters.
• Financials: Total project cost is INR 4,151.38 Crores; Community Environmental Rehabilitation (CER) cost is INR 20.76 Crores.
• Validity: The Environmental Clearance is valid for 7 years from the date of issue.
• Key Condition: The proponent must design, install, and operate a Circular Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) system using Mixed Salt Selective Separation (MS3) technology, achieving at least 90% reduction in mixed salt generation.
• Key Condition: Recovered salts must attain ≥98% purity and be reused or transferred to industrial users, supported by an Industrial Utilization Plan.
• Key Condition: The proponent must implement the Environment Management Plan (EMP) and submit six-monthly compliance reports to the Regional Office.

Also in the document

• The clearance mandates the adoption of advanced Circular ZLD technology with Mixed Salt Selective Separation (MS3) validated by IITs or national research institutions.
• The project involves a significant Community Environmental Rehabilitation (CER) commitment of INR 20.76 Crores, including lake rejuvenation in Therku Veerapandiyapuram Village and funding for the Environment Management Agency of Tamil Nadu (EMAT).
• The document specifies that the clearance does not constitute approval under other Acts or regulations, and the proponent must obtain separate consents (e.g., from TNPCB) as applicable.